Adam Thomas admits he 'lost hope' after painful diagnosis he hopes to 'cure naturally'
Adam Thomas "lost hope" after he was d iagnosed with an agonising health condition. The actor was just 34 when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after experiencing pain following an injury to his knees. He initially believed he had pulled a ligament, but later experienced pain in his wrists.
Blood test later confirmed his diagnosis, with Adam saying that he hadn't gone a day without being in pain due to the autoimmune condition. Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in a joint, affecting people of all ages, including children.
The NHS states that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of the condition. The condition is managed by inflammatory medication, in the form of tablets or steroid injections.
Now, the 36-year-old Waterloo Road star has opened up about his condition and how he's finally getting his life back on track. Taking to Instagram, the former Emmerdale actor shared a snap, injecting himself in the thigh with medication. Captioning his upload, he penned: "I lost hope… I never thought I'd get my old life back… I was wrong!
"To anyone struggling with arthritis and is lost and can't seem to find hope… Stay strong! Its along and painful road but I promise you…You will! These meds have changed my life… I'm pretty sure this post will get taken down again, but before it does… I get so many questions asking what meds I'm on and I've been on several but the only one that has worked for me are biologic injections.
"I have an injection once every two weeks, no side effects no brain fog no throwing up, nothing! Nothing but pain free!!! I know this isn't going to heal the disease but it's given me a life I never thought I'd have again!"
He went on to write: "Still putting in the work and focusing on diet and recovery as I'd like to think this disease can be cured naturally and one day I'd like to not have to take any meds but until then… I want to bring hope to those who are suffering and also awareness to this disease as I feel like it's not talked about enough! I see you, I feel you and I know how hard it can be, but don't lose hope don't lose yourself to this disease. Too much love."
His upload, which has been liked over 25,000 times, was flooded with messages of support from his followers. One penned: "Biologics changed my life." A second added: "Amjevita changed my life after the hell that was methotrexate! Biologics are the best/ Well done for highlighting it."
Meanwhile, a third went on to write: "I have methotrexate & biotic injections to for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. They do and have made a big difference to the pain, swelling and suffering. I was diagnosed officially 8 years ago. These injections can make such a difference to someone life, the awareness is needed thank you."
But one social media user was quick to acknowledge that the medication Adam is using may not be suitable for everybody. They said: "I think this type of awareness is amazing, but people should be aware that biologics are immunosuppressants, so definitely not without their risks or side effects. They also don't work for everyone, and there are many different versions. They are amazing, but not as certain for everyone as they have been for you. I'm happy you've had such a good success story!"
But while Adam hopes that this diet and lifestyle change can help cure the condition naturally, there is no cure. The NHS states that while there isn't a cure, those with osteoarthritis can change their lifestyle, take medication and often have surgery to help slow down the progression.
Meanwhile, for those with rheumatoid, various treatments including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biological treatments can help slow down the progression, but not cure it.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
25 minutes ago
- The Independent
Warning over virus dangerous to newborns and elderly after surge in Australia
The UK should brace for a surge in a potentially serious virus following a record number of cases in Australia, health experts have said. NHS officials said that the Australian winter is often a good predictor of how viruses will spread in England. And following a surge in cases number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases in Australia, officials have said that cases have been steadily increasing in England since the start of 2025. NHS England has urged pregnant women to get the vaccine which protects against RSV in order to protect their newborn babies. It said that the virus is a leading cause of death among babies and the main cause of hospital admissions for children. Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: 'While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation. 'Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating.' Pregnant women can get the jab from 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards through their maternity services or GP surgery. Older adults aged 75-79 are also eligible for the jab and NHS England will start inviting people to come forward in the next few weeks. RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. But some people have a high risk of getting seriously ill from the virus including babies and adults over the age of 75. In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. Last week, the UK Health Security Agency published data showing the efficacy of the vaccine. It said that the jab for pregnant women can prevent 72% of hospital admissions for their babies. And the vaccine is 82% effective at preventing hospital admissions for RSV among older adults, UKHSA said.
South Wales Argus
5 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Concern over weight gain after ‘skinny jabs'
Research shows that many people regain weight after stopping treatment if they are not supported, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said. The health watchdog said that people coming off the drugs should be offered 'structured advice and follow-up support' to help prevent weight gain. The guidance is for people who are offered the treatments through the NHS. An estimated 1.5 million people are taking weight loss jabs in the UK, but the vast majority are paying for them privately so will not be eligible for NHS support after they have finished their treatment. Around 240,000 people with 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, through the NHS over the next three years. The new 'quality standard' from Nice says that NHS patients should be monitored for at least a year after they complete treatment, and extra support should be offered if needed. It emphasises building 'long-term behavioural habits, use self-monitoring tools, and draw on wider support – from online communities to family-led interventions and local activities'. This standard, a type of guidance for the health services in England and Wales, sets out expectations for health providers including how they should support patients. 'Successful weight management doesn't end when medication stops or when someone completes a behavioural programme,' said Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at Nice. 'We know that the transition period after treatment is crucial, and people need structured support to maintain the positive changes they've made. 'This new standard makes sure services provide that vital continuity of care, and it supports the NHS 10 Year Plan to shift from a 'sickness service' to a genuine health service focused on prevention.' Dr Rebecca Payne, chair of Nice's Quality Standards Advisory Committee, added: 'Weight management is a long-term journey, not a short-term fix. Little swaps can make tasty, healthy changes. For lots of tips and support to eat better visit: — NHS Blackpool Teaching Hospitals 💙🌈 (@BlackpoolHosp) April 12, 2025 'The evidence is clear that advice and support for maintaining weight after stopping medicines or completing behavioural interventions can help prevent weight regain and enable people to experience lasting benefits. 'We've seen excellent examples of services that already provide comprehensive discharge planning and ongoing support. 'This quality standard will help ensure all healthcare providers adopt these best practices, giving every person the best chance of maintaining their weight management success over the long term. 'This standard ensures healthcare services are equipped to provide that essential ongoing support.' Commenting, Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'Pharmacies take their responsibilities seriously to provide full wrap around support to patients trying to achieve a healthy weight. 'We know that although medication can be effective in speeding up weight loss in some people, it is not a silver bullet and patients need to make long term lifestyle changes to make their weight loss sustainable. 'The current NHS roll out of weight loss treatment is very small, with only a handful of patients receiving it and it will continue to be the case that the vast majority of eligible patients will be seen by their pharmacy.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'There is no one-size-fits-all approach to tackling obesity – what works for one patient will likely not work for another and, as with any medication, weight-loss drugs do not come without risk. 'It's also the case that patients will likely need support to sustain their weight loss once they stop taking the medication. As such, this is important and sensible guidance from Nice. 'As a college, we've been clear that whilst weight loss medications have significant potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight, they mustn't be seen as a 'silver bullet' and ensuring access to sufficient 'wraparound' services – particularly for when patients come off their medication – will be key to optimal health outcomes.'
Leader Live
5 hours ago
- Leader Live
Concern over weight gain after ‘skinny jabs'
Research shows that many people regain weight after stopping treatment if they are not supported, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) said. The health watchdog said that people coming off the drugs should be offered 'structured advice and follow-up support' to help prevent weight gain. The guidance is for people who are offered the treatments through the NHS. An estimated 1.5 million people are taking weight loss jabs in the UK, but the vast majority are paying for them privately so will not be eligible for NHS support after they have finished their treatment. Around 240,000 people with 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, through the NHS over the next three years. The new 'quality standard' from Nice says that NHS patients should be monitored for at least a year after they complete treatment, and extra support should be offered if needed. It emphasises building 'long-term behavioural habits, use self-monitoring tools, and draw on wider support – from online communities to family-led interventions and local activities'. This standard, a type of guidance for the health services in England and Wales, sets out expectations for health providers including how they should support patients. 'Successful weight management doesn't end when medication stops or when someone completes a behavioural programme,' said Professor Jonathan Benger, deputy chief executive and chief medical officer at Nice. 'We know that the transition period after treatment is crucial, and people need structured support to maintain the positive changes they've made. 'This new standard makes sure services provide that vital continuity of care, and it supports the NHS 10 Year Plan to shift from a 'sickness service' to a genuine health service focused on prevention.' Dr Rebecca Payne, chair of Nice's Quality Standards Advisory Committee, added: 'Weight management is a long-term journey, not a short-term fix. Little swaps can make tasty, healthy changes. For lots of tips and support to eat better visit: — NHS Blackpool Teaching Hospitals 💙🌈 (@BlackpoolHosp) April 12, 2025 'The evidence is clear that advice and support for maintaining weight after stopping medicines or completing behavioural interventions can help prevent weight regain and enable people to experience lasting benefits. 'We've seen excellent examples of services that already provide comprehensive discharge planning and ongoing support. 'This quality standard will help ensure all healthcare providers adopt these best practices, giving every person the best chance of maintaining their weight management success over the long term. 'This standard ensures healthcare services are equipped to provide that essential ongoing support.' Commenting, Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'Pharmacies take their responsibilities seriously to provide full wrap around support to patients trying to achieve a healthy weight. 'We know that although medication can be effective in speeding up weight loss in some people, it is not a silver bullet and patients need to make long term lifestyle changes to make their weight loss sustainable. 'The current NHS roll out of weight loss treatment is very small, with only a handful of patients receiving it and it will continue to be the case that the vast majority of eligible patients will be seen by their pharmacy.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'There is no one-size-fits-all approach to tackling obesity – what works for one patient will likely not work for another and, as with any medication, weight-loss drugs do not come without risk. 'It's also the case that patients will likely need support to sustain their weight loss once they stop taking the medication. As such, this is important and sensible guidance from Nice. 'As a college, we've been clear that whilst weight loss medications have significant potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight, they mustn't be seen as a 'silver bullet' and ensuring access to sufficient 'wraparound' services – particularly for when patients come off their medication – will be key to optimal health outcomes.'
